News

Not ahead of schedule

Sanders (Achilles) said Tuesday that his rehab is neither ahead of schedule nor behind, Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post reports. "When I do run full speed, I feel good," Sanders said. "I wouldn't say we're ahead of schedule, I wouldn't say we're behind schedule. I just feel like we're somewhere in between."

Analysis: Sanders is now six months deep in the rehab process and ran with cleats Friday for the first time since suffering a torn Achilles on Dec. 5. Early reports of the 32-year-old wideout being ahead of schedule seem to have been overstated, as Sanders acknowledged Tuesday he isn't sure about his availability for training camp. The timing and severity of his injury suggest he'll struggle to be ready for Week 1, at which point he'll be nine months removed from the initial injury. Sanders is entering…read more

Published: Wed, May 8 at 7:45am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Runs with cleats on

Sanders (Achilles) ran with cleats Friday for the first time since he was injured, James Palmer of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The 32-year-old wideout reportedly is making good progress in his rehab from the torn Achilles he suffered Dec. 5. The timing of the injury leaves him uncertain to be ready for Week 1, though the Broncos seem to be counting on his availability given their lack of high-profile offseason additions at wide receiver. Any plans to move on from Sanders likely would've taken place back in March before $1.5 million of his $10.15 million base salary became guaranteed. The quarterback situation in Denver…read more

Published: Fri, May 3 at 1:33pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

In good spot with recovery

Coach Vic Fangio said Sanders is "progressing well" in his rehab from a torn left Achilles, Zac Stevens of BSNDenver.com reports.

Analysis: Sanders suffered the injury during practice Dec. 5 and underwent surgery shortly thereafter. Differing reports have noted a 6-to-8-month recovery and his own confidence that he'll be ready by Week 1, which both seem optimistic due to the timeline for a typical player from such a procedure. On a positive note, though, Sanders attended one of the first offseason workouts and took part in warmups, so the 32-year-old appears to be in a good spot, health-wise. No matter when he gains clearance to…read more

Published: Tue, Apr 16 at 3:31pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Has option picked up

The Broncos have exercised their contract option on Sanders (Achilles), guaranteeing $1.5 million of his $10.15 million base salary for 2019, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Analysis: General manager John Elway announced the decision a couple weeks ago, apparently encouraged by Sanders' initial progress in his recovery from a torn Achilles. The veteran wideout relayed optimism Sunday on his Twitter account, noting that trainers have told him he's far ahead of schedule. Sanders suffered the injury during practice Dec. 5 and will celebrate his 32nd birthday this upcoming weekend. The Broncos clearly expect Sanders to operate as a primary target for new starting quarterback Joe…read more

Published: Mon, Mar 11 at 9:41am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Continues to progress in recovery

Sanders relayed via his personal Twitter account Sunday that trainers have told him he's "wayyy (sic) ahead of schedule" in his recovery from a torn Achilles.

Analysis: Sanders suffered the devastating injury during practice Dec. 5. Despite missing the final four games of the campaign, he paced the Broncos in every receiving category, with 71 catches (on 98 targets) for 868 yards and four touchdowns to his credit. Sanders is due a roster bonus of $1.5 million Tuesday, so his immediate future will receive some clarity in the coming days. Once the Broncos' front office makes that decision, he'll continue to focus on his rehab with the stated aim of being ready…read more

Published: Sun, Mar 10 at 11:10am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Returning to Denver in 2019

General manager John Elway confirmed the Broncos will exercise Sanders' (Achilles) contract option for 2019, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: The team seems confident in Sanders' ability to bounce back from the Achilles tear he suffered in early December, with his fast progress early in the recovery process creating hope he can be ready for Week 1 of his age-32 season. Between this decision and the recent agreement to trade for Joe Flacco, it's clear the Broncos are shooting for a 2019 playoff appearance rather than focusing on the future. Elway likely envisions Sanders, Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton operating as the…read more

Published: Wed, Feb 27 at 1:18pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Likely staying in Denver

The Broncos haven't asked Sanders (Achilles) to take a pay cut and are expected to keep him under contract for 2019, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Analysis: Sanders carries a $10.15 million base salary for the final season of his three-year contract, with $1.5 million becoming guaranteed at some point this offseason. It's a big expense for a player who will be nine months removed from an Achilles tear at the start of his age-32 season, but the Broncos apparently are confident Sanders can be a top target for new quarterback Joe Flacco. The veteran wide receiver seems to be making good progress in the early stages of his recovery and no longer…read more

Published: Wed, Feb 20 at 11:32am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Won't restructure contract

Sanders (Achilles) posted Tuesday on his personal Twitter account that he isn't interested in restructuring his contract ahead of the 2019 season.

Analysis: Coming off a torn Achilles suffered Dec. 5 and entering the final season of his three-year deal, Sanders surely can read between the lines that any restructure would involve a significant pay cut. Of course, he may be putting himself in danger of an outright release, as the Broncos can't be thrilled about the prospect of paying a $10.15 million base salary (per OverTheCap.com) to a player who's no lock to be ready for Week 1 of his age-32 season. His release wouldn't be a popular move in the…read more

Published: Wed, Feb 20 at 6:24am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Making progress in recovery

Sanders (Achilles) is no longer wearing a walking boot on his injured foot but is moving around with a "slight limp," Zack Kelberman of CBS 4 Denver reports.

Analysis: Sanders originally tore his ACL in early December and was given a six-month timeline for his recovery. He appears to have avoided any setbacks in the two months since suffering the injury, and while it seems unlikely he'll be available for OTAs this spring, Sanders should be ready to go well before the start of training camp. That said, it's possible Sanders could take his time getting back onto the field considering the soon-to-be 32-year-old is entering a contract year in 2019 on a team that…read more

Published: Wed, Feb 13 at 11:28am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Emerged as No. 1 target in 2018

Sanders (Achilles) caught 71 of 98 targets for 868 yards and four touchdowns during an injury-shortened 2018 campaign. He added 53 yards and a touchdown on four carries and threw a 28-yard touchdown pass during the season.

Analysis: Sanders missed the final quarter of the season with a torn Achilles, but still managed to lead the team in catches, targets, yards and touchdowns. Not bad for a guy who many thought was going to be cut last offseason. Instead, it was Demaryius Thomas who was sent packing. Sanders, coming off of a major injury, counts for $12.9 million against next season's cap, but -- given the dearth of established targets in Denver -- it wouldn't be a total surprise to see him back for the final year of his…read more

Published: Thu, Jan 3 at 3:27pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Aiming for Week 1

Sanders (Achilles) is confident he will be ready for Week 1 of 2019, saying Monday, "I'll be making plays for somebody," Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post reports.

Analysis: The comment hints at uncertainty about his future in Denver, where it may be time for a mini-rebuild after the firing of coach Vance Joseph at the end of a 6-10 campaign. The Broncos joined the playoff hunt with three straight wins Weeks 11-13, but they then lost four straight to close out the season after Sanders suffered a torn Achilles during a Week 14 practice. He was a massive part of the Denver passing game prior to his season-ending injury, but it won't come as a huge surprise if he's…read more

Published: Mon, Dec 31 at 8:35am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Hoping for 6-8 months of recovery

Sanders (Achilles) had successful surgery Thursday and is now facing a rehab timeline of 6-to-8 months, James Palmer of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The timetable may be optimistic, but it's at least evident Sanders plans to return for the final season of his contract with the Broncos. He'll celebrate his 32nd birthday in March and can safely be ruled out for the entire offseason program while he rehabs from surgery for the torn left Achilles. He faces a challenge to be ready for Week 1 of the 2019 season, at which point he'll be nine months removed from the initial injury. Players coming back from Achilles tears often struggle with other…read more

Published: Fri, Dec 7 at 2:46pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Lands on IR

The Broncos placed Sanders (Achilles) on injured reserve Wednesday.

Analysis: The transaction confirms that Sanders suffered a torn left Achilles' tendon during practice earlier in the day. He'll undergo season-ending surgery and will be taken off the 53-man roster, opening up a spot for veteran wideout Andre Holmes, whom the team claimed off waivers Wednesday. With Sanders sidelined, Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton now profile as the Broncos' top wideouts.

Published: Wed, Dec 5 at 2:20pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Likely dealing with torn Achilles

Analysis: The report comes through about 20 minutes after the injury occurred, so there's obviously still testing to be done before a diagnosis is revealed. However, the initial test for a torn Achilles is usually accurate, and there were multiple reports of Sanders reacting in a manner that hinted at a serious injury. If the initial expectation is confirmed, the 31-year-old wideout would miss the rest of this season and face a challenging path to make it back for the 2019 opener.

Published: Wed, Dec 5 at 11:31am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Injures leg in practice

Sanders was injured during Wednesday's practice and was unable to put any weight on his left leg while requiring assistance off the field, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Troy Renck of Denver 7 News relays that Sanders was visibly upset after going down with the injury, tossing his helmet to the side while pointing at his lower left leg. It's too soon to arrive at any conclusions, but there's no doubt the situation will need to be carefully monitored in the coming hours. The Broncos aren't exactly teeming with wideout depth; the cast behind Sanders is led by rookies Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton as well as 2017 undrafted free agent Tim Patrick.

Published: Wed, Dec 5 at 11:14am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Quiet in win over Cincinnati

Sanders caught four of six targets for 19 yards during Sunday's 24-10 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: With the wind swirling in Cincinnati, the Broncos went run-heavy and threw a lot of short passes. Sanders and Case Keenum narrowly missed on a deep shot in the third quarter, but Sanders was blown up by safety Shawn Williams, a play that drew a personal foul and briefly sidelined the veteran target. The Broncos are clearly looking to pound the ball, avoid turnovers and play strong defense as they seek to get back in the playoff picture. That, normally, should still allow for a fair amount of…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 2 at 3:52pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Good to go for Week 13

Sanders (heel) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Bengals, Zac Stevens of BSNDenver.com reports.

Analysis: Sanders remained limited in practice Friday after the heel injury restricted his reps a day earlier, but his lack of designation heading into the weekend indicates the Broncos aren't worried about his health. The wideout should be on tap for a full slate of snaps and rates as a quality lineup option in just about any format after registering seven catches for 86 yards and a touchdown across 12 targets in the Broncos' Week 12 win over the Steelers.

Published: Fri, Nov 30 at 12:47pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Added to injury report

Sanders was limited at practice Thursday by a heel injury, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Analysis: Normally a mid-week addition to the injury report like this would be a concern, but so far Sanders' current issue is being downplayed. "It's just soreness," coach Vance Joseph said of the wideout's limitations Thursday. "We're just taking it slow and being smart, that's all." In any case, we'll circle back on Sanders' status Friday to see if he ends up with an official injury designation in advance of Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Published: Thu, Nov 29 at 2:47pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Gets back into end zone

Sanders caught seven of his 12 targets, amassing 86 receiving yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 24-17 win against the Steelers.

Analysis: The veteran receiver balled out against his former team of four years, easily leading all Broncos pass catchers in targets, receptions and yards during a vital home win against Pittsburgh. Since Demaryius Thomas was traded Oct. 30, Sanders has 60 percent more targets than the second-leading option on the team (24, compared to Courtland Sutton's 15 in three games since the trade). Week 13 brings an extremely promising matchup, facing Cincinnati's No. 31 scoring defense. The Bengals struggle in…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 25 at 7:23pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Totals 62 scrimmage yards

Sanders caught four of six targets for 56 yards and carried one time for an additional six yards during Sunday's 23-22 win over the Chargers.

Analysis: Sanders tied for the team lead in targets and broke off a 38-yard gain at one point, though he failed to do much with the rest of his touches. He has now topped out at 57 receiving yards over the last three games and hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 7. Sanders will look to get back on track against the Steelers next Sunday.

Published: Sun, Nov 18 at 5:18pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Plays 61 of 66 snaps, despite hard hit

Sanders was on the field for 61 of the Broncos' 66 offensive snaps in Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Texans, finishing the day with six receptions for 47 yards on nine targets.

Analysis: Though he's now locked in as Denver's clear No. 1 target after Demaryius Thomas was traded to Houston ahead of the Week 9 matchup, Sanders was unable to do much with the opportunity, as he finished with his lowest yardage output in five games. Considering that Sanders absorbed a rough hit to his shoulder from the Texans' Tyrann Mathieu at one point in the contest that netted the safety a personal foul penalty, it was at least encouraging that the wideout was able to remain in the game and play…read more

Published: Mon, Nov 5 at 7:38am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Held under 50 yards receiving

Analysis: The volume remained steady for Sanders in Week 9, but he was contained to just 7.8 yards per reception, his lowest per-catch average since facing Baltimore's ultra-talented secondary in Week 3. With Demaryius Thomas now out of the fold, Sanders may see an even greater share of the wideout targets than he already has (32 more targets than the second-leading receiver on the roster, Courtland Sutton). When Denver emerges from its Week 10 bye, Sanders and the Broncos passing attack will take on a…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 4 at 5:48pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com